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CHARLOTTE, N.C. (theACC.com) – In the latest installment of weekly accolades for the 2024 Atlantic Coast Conference Swimming & Diving season, NC State’s Daniel Diehl has been honored as the ACC Men’s Swimmer of the Week, while California’s Joshua Thai distinguished himself by being named the ACC Men’s Diver of the Week. In a remarkable show of talent, NC State’s Leah Shackley and California’s Isabelle Stadden were recognized as ACC Women’s Co-Swimmers of the Week. Furthermore, NC State’s Elisabeth Rockefeller received the title of ACC Women’s Diver of the Week due to her outstanding performance.
ACC MEN’S SWIMMER OF THE WEEK
Daniel Diehl, NC State, So., Cumberland, Maryland
Diehl’s recognition as the ACC Men’s Swimmer of the Week came following his stellar performance against the formidable No. 7 Georgia team last week. The talented sophomore from Cumberland, Maryland, not only clinched first place in the 200 IM with a remarkable time of 1:43.85 but also played a pivotal role as part of the winning 800 free relay team, which finished in an impressive 6:19.81. His competitive edge was on full display as he also secured a second-place finish in the 200 back with a time of 1:41.15, another second-place result in the 100 IM at 48.27, and a solid third-place finish in the 200 free clocking in at 1:33.74.
ACC MEN’S DIVER OF THE WEEK
Joshua Thai, California, Jr., Alhambra, California
In his highly anticipated season debut, Joshua Thai showcased his prowess by not only winning first place in the 3-meter dive with an impressive score of 343.80 but also achieving a commendable third-place finish in the 1-meter dive, scoring 295.70.
ACC WOMEN’S CO-SWIMMER OF THE WEEK
Leah Shackley, NC State, Fr., Bedford, Pennsylvania
Shackley’s exceptional talent was on full display as she claimed four individual titles during the Wolfpack’s impressive victory against No. 10 Georgia, amassing a team-high total of 36 points that significantly contributed to the final score. The Bedford, Pennsylvania, native dominated the competition, finishing first in the 200 fly (1:55.75), the 200 back (1:50.81), the 100 back (50.22), and the 100 fly (51.08). Additionally, she proved instrumental in leading NC State to a triumphant win in the 200 medley relay, finishing in 1:36.66. Notably, Shackley remains undefeated in all of her individual events across the last two meets, underscoring her status as a formidable competitor.
ACC WOMEN’S CO-SWIMMER OF THE WEEK
Isabelle Stadden, California, Gr., Blaine, Minnesota
Stadden delivered a standout performance, capturing first place in two individual events as well as contributing to two relay victories in a highly competitive tri-meet against No. 4 Stanford and No. 18 Arizona State. The graduate student showcased her skills by taking podium finishes in the 100 back (51.33), the 200 back (1:51.38), and leading her teams to wins in both the 200 medley relay (1:35.38) and the 200 free relay (1:29.32). Her outstanding times in the 100 back and 200 back rank her ninth and fifth in the nation, respectively, demonstrating her elite status on a national level.
ACC WOMEN’S DIVER OF THE WEEK
Elisabeth Rockefeller, NC State, So., Fairfax, Virginia
Rockefeller’s impressive diving performance enabled her to sweep the boards in NC State’s convincing victory over No. 10 Georgia. The Fairfax, Virginia, native achieved first place in the 1-meter dive with an outstanding score of 280.50 before following it up with another winning performance in the 3-meter dive, achieving a score of 292.58, further solidifying her position as a top contender in the sport.
ACC Men’s Swimmer of the Week
Oct. 1 – Carles Coll Marti, Virginia Tech
Oct. 8 – Denis Petrashov, Louisville
Oct. 15 – Berke Saka, Georgia Tech
Oct. 22 – Ron Polonsky, Stanford
Oct. 29 – Denis Petrashov, Louisville
Nov. 5 – Carles Coll Marti, Virginia Tech | Ben Delmar, North Carolina
Nov. 12 – Daniel Diehl, NC State
ACC Men’s Diver of the Week
Oct. 1 – Rocky Ramsland, Virginia Tech
Oct. 8 – Mack Molloy, Louisville
Oct. 15 – Max Fowler, Georgia Tech | Luke Sitz, SMU
Oct. 22 – Luke Sitz, SMU
Oct. 29 – Luke Sitz, SMU | Noah Bernard, Pitt
Nov. 5 – Noah Bernard, Pitt
Nov. 12 – Joshua Thai, California
ACC Women’s Swimmer of the Week
Oct. 1 – Simone Moll, Miami
Oct. 8 – Lauren Lee, Boston College
Oct 15 – Giulia Carvalho, Miami
Oct. 22 – Gretchen Walsh, Virginia
Oct. 29 – Erika Pelaez, NC State
Nov. 5 – Gretchen Walsh, Virginia
Nov. 12 – Leah Shackley, NC State | Isabelle Stadden, California
ACC Women’s Diver of the Week
Oct. 1 – Mia Vallée, Miami
Oct. 8 – Lindsay Gizzi, Louisville
Oct. 15 – Mia Vallée, Miami
Oct. 22 – Margo O’Meara
Oct. 29 – Aranza Vazquez Montano, North Carolina | Mariana Osorio Mendoza, Pitt
Nov. 5 – Lanie Gutch, North Carolina
Nov. 12 – Elisabeth Rockefeller, NC State
**Interview with NC State’s Daniel Diehl: ACC Men’s Swimmer of the Week**
**Interviewer:** Thanks for joining us today, Daniel! Congratulations on being named the ACC Men’s Swimmer of the Week! How does it feel to receive this recognition?
**Daniel Diehl:** Thank you! It feels amazing to be recognized for my performance. I’ve been training hard, so it’s gratifying to see that effort pay off, especially against a strong team like Georgia.
**Interviewer:** You had an impressive meet with victories in the 200 IM and as part of the 800 free relay team. What do you think was the key to your success in that meet?
**Daniel Diehl:** I think the key was definitely teamwork and energy. Our training leading up to the meet really built our confidence, and I felt great in the water. The relay win was especially rewarding because it’s such a team effort. We all pushed each other to do our best.
**Interviewer:** You also finished strong in multiple events. How do you mentally prepare for such a packed schedule during a competition?
**Daniel Diehl:** Mental preparation is crucial. I try to focus on each event one at a time without thinking too far ahead. Visualization techniques really help, along with staying relaxed and keeping a positive mindset. Plus, having teammates around me boosts my confidence.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, what are your goals for the rest of the season?
**Daniel Diehl:** My main goal is to continue improving and to contribute to the team’s success. I want to keep breaking personal records and help NC State compete at a high level, especially as we approach the championship meets.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like you’re gearing up for an exciting season! Any advice for young swimmers looking to compete at a high level like you?
**Daniel Diehl:** Absolutely! Focus on your training and enjoy the process. Set small, achievable goals for yourself, and don’t be afraid to push your limits. Surround yourself with supportive teammates and coaches—they can make all the difference.
**Interviewer:** Great advice! Thanks again for chatting with us, Daniel, and congratulations on your achievements so far. We’re looking forward to seeing what you accomplish next!
**Daniel Diehl:** Thank you! I appreciate the support and can’t wait for the rest of the season!
